1529
Religion
Protestation at Speyer
A group of German princes and cities protested against the Catholic majority's decision at the Diet of Speyer. This 'protestation' gave rise to the term 'Protestant.'
On This Day in History
1775
War & Conflict
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first shots of the American Revolution were fired at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. 'The shot heard round the world' launched the war for American independence.
1861
War & Conflict
Baltimore Riot of 1861
A pro-Confederate mob attacked Union troops marching through Baltimore, killing four soldiers and twelve civilians. It was one of the first instances of bloodshed in the Civil War.
1897
Sports
First Boston Marathon Run
The first Boston Marathon was run from Ashland to Boston with 15 participants. John J. McDermott won the 24.5-mile race in 2 hours, 55 minutes.
1943
War & Conflict
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Begins
Jewish fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto rose up against Nazi forces attempting to liquidate the ghetto. The uprising lasted nearly a month and became a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance.
1993
Disaster
Waco Siege Ends in Fire
The FBI siege of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, ended when fire engulfed the building. 76 people died, including leader David Koresh.
1995
Disaster
Oklahoma City Bombing
Timothy McVeigh detonated a truck bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people. It was the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history.